Update: Following earlier coverage of the Malawi Scorchers reaching the Women's Africa Cup of Nations final, FIFA released a report on Friday detailing how the team's first World Cup qualification stems from sustained grassroots development. According to the Inside FIFA publication, the Football Association of Malawi utilized international funding to establish women's regional leagues, cover competition management costs, and open an inclusive football academy in Mzuzu. The Scorchers will face Cameroon for the continental title on Sunday, August 16, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, according to tournament schedules.
The Scorchers advanced to the final after defeating Algeria 3-1 on Wednesday, with captain Tabitha Chawinga scoring twice and Temwa Chawinga adding a third goal, Vanguard News reports. Malawi24 notes that the exact scoreline was predicted by Rumphi Central MP Mathews Mtumbuka before the match began. Speaking at a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting in Lilongwe, Mtumbuka told delegates that good wishes from the assembly would increase Malawi's winning margin from 2-1 to 3-1.